IONIA TWP., Mich. — One man is dead after being stabbed near Ionia.
Ionia County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a stabbing in the 200 block of Philip Court south of Ionia. Authorities report the 911 call was made after one man stabbed another in self-defense.
Upon arrival, life-saving measures were taken to save the injured man's life. However, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on scene.
The victim has been identified as 31-year-old Dennis James Conley of Ionia.
The sheriff's office says Conley was related to the suspect and had been living with them as well as another relative. The suspect has not yet been charged.
We’re told an altercation ensued over heating costs when Dennis attacked the suspect. The suspect then took up a kitchen knife in an attempt to stop the assault when he stabbed Dennis in the chest, deputies explain.
Mental health and drug use are possible factors in the incident, authorities say. The sheriff’s office adds investigations will continue in an effort to clarify a detailed sequence of events that led up to the stabbing before criminal charges are considered.
The person responsible for the stabbing has cooperated with investigators and authorities believe there is no threat to the public.
